Crude Oil Tank Sludge
| • |
Sludge
is often dismissed as rejectable muck with very
little crude oil. In reality, it is a valuable
substance containing 85% - 90% hydrocarbons (chiefly
comprising Paraffin & Asphalt); It may also
contain valuable Micro-crystalline Wax. As such,
rejection of sludge is a loss to the refinery
and the nation.
|
| • |
Conventionally
sludge is removed from crude oil tanks through
the following methods: i) Manual cleaning ii)
Hot gas oil circulation iii) Heating and collecting
in a metal pit and iv) High pressure water jets.
Besides being expensive, time consuming and hazardous
to personnel, these
methods pollute the environment.
In terms of economics & environmental impact,
these are value destroying methods rather than
value enhancing solutions.
|
| • |
BLABO
is the latest, patented technology from Toftejorg,
Denmark for Sludge Recovery and Tank Cleaning.
Balmer Lawrie is the Indian licensee for the technology. |
| • |
With
this technology, sedimented hydrocarbons are re-suspended
through the circulation of crude oil and liquifacted
hydrocarbons are recovered leading to the rejection
of only a small quantity of inorganic impurities
as residual sludge. |
| • |
The
technology has been developed for cleaning of
floating roof crude oil tanks. It is also well
adaptable for cleaning of fixed roof heavy fuel
oil tanks, sludge lagoons and ponds. |
| • |
|
Balmer Lawrie
Expertise
| • |
Balmer
Lawrie is a part of the Toftejorg Licensee Network
since the year 2000 and has cleaned over
25,000 KL of sludge at different refineries till
July 2002. |
Tank
No. |
Tank
Dia (mtrs) |
Approx.
Sludge Volume (KL) |
Haldia
Refinery, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) |
106 |
70 |
4,000 |
107 |
70 |
3,000 |
110 |
79 |
10,000 |
Mumbai
Refinery, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL)
|
114 |
79 |
10,000 |
| • |
The Company has two complete
BLABO units and is in a position to meet client
requirements at short notice through quick mobilisation. |
|
 |
BLABO
unit in operation at Haldia Refinery, IOCL |
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